QUOTES: Locals React to Supreme Court's Ruling on 'Obamacare'

Once news broke that the , Oakdale-area folks started issuing statements and leaving comments. Here are some of them:

State Rep. Nora Slawik, District 55B

"The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act is great for Minnesota and our country. Thanks to the ACA 32,000 Minnesotans under age 26 have been able to stay on their parent's health insurance. Because of the ACA, Minnesota seniors saved nearly $600 on prescription drugs, and thanks to the ACA Minnesotans receive free preventative coverage, along with dozens of protections from insurance industry abuses. With today's Supreme Court decision, Minnesotans can know that they will never again be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition and that whether they're healthy or sick, they will always have access to affordable, high-quality care. 

Now it's time to stop the political fights of the last two years and continue implementing this law. Minnesota has always prided itself on having nation-leading health care. It's time for us to continue that tradition, come together to build a health insurance exchange, and put our Minnesota stamp on health care reform."

State Sen. Charles Wiger, District 55

"I am very pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to fully uphold the Affordable Care Act.  I applaud Chief Justice John Roberts. The ruling,

1. Affirms the reform efforts currently underway in Minnesota to improve health and lower the cost of care. 

2. Demonstrates the real progress and important protection for citizens across Minnesota: affordable insurance for small business, young people can stay on their parents insurance until age 26, and guaranteed coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.

Our state has been a leader in health care. We will continue to work to increase quality and improve access to insurance and affordable care."

Fourth District Rep. Betty McCollum

“Two years ago, I was proud to vote in support of the Affordable Care Act.  Today’s historic Supreme Court decision affirms President Obama’s leadership to extend healthcare coverage to millions of Americans. It is now time for Republicans in Congress to end their vitriolic repeal campaign and work on effectively implementing this law to the benefit of the American people.”

Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Pat Shortridge

“While we are disappointed that ObamaCare wasn’t repealed today, we are ready to elect conservatives to Congress this fall who will repeal and replace ObamaCare in its entirety. As Republican conservatives, we've learned time and again that we can't rely on the courts to protect our Constitutional liberties, it's up to us at the ballot box. We must continue our work to elect Constitutional conservatives who will defend our freedoms from an overreaching government inWashington.

When he signed ObamaCare, President Obama broke a campaign promise not to raise taxes on middle class American families. Today, the Supreme Court confirmed that ObamaCare is a tax on middle class families, not a mandate, despite the arguments of the President. The Minnesota representatives who voted for ObamaCare will have to answer and be accountable this November for their vote to increase taxes on the middle class and dramatically increase the size and reach of government.

As President Obama and Democrats in Minnesota claim victory today, the Supreme Court’s decision is a reminder that ObamaCare is a massive tax increase on all Americans and another broken campaign promise, and that their victory will be short-lived as voters reject it in November.”

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton

“I am very pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to fully uphold the Affordable Care Act. Today’s ruling will be met with relief by the Minnesotans whose lives have already been improved by this law. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, affirmed by the Supreme Court today:

• Minnesotans can no longer be denied coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Seniors pay less for prescription drugs
• Small businesses will have affordable insurance options for employees
• Young people can continue to be covered by their parents' health insurance until age 26. 

“This ruling is also an affirmation of the reform efforts currently underway in Minnesota to improve the quality and lower the cost of health care. We have long been a national leader in healthcare reform –a reputation that will be enhanced as we work with private and public sector leaders to implement the Affordable Care Act in Minnesota.”